EXPERTS have concluded that noise generated from the proposed ‘Ghost Ships’ development would not significantly affect nearby homes.

Environmental campaigners argue that people living in Seaton Carew and children attending the local primary school will suffer a noticeable amount of noise pollution from the TERRC site in Graythorp.

But Dr Geraint Peter Doubleday, who carried out a detailed noise assessment on the site and at Seaton Carew, told the planning inquiry in Hartlepool that any increase would not be noticed by residents.

“I’ve predicted an increase in the continuous equivalent noise level of one decibel at houses at Bilsdale Road,” he said.

“As the human ear has difficulty in detecting changes in noise level of less than three decibels, it seemed reasonable to state that the impact is not expected to be significant.”

But he stated dredging works associated with the development will increase noise levels for part of the nearby Special Protection Area.

Able UK has proposed mitigation measures, including a narrower dredging channel to reduce impact.

The planning inquiry relates to Able UK’s appeal over Hartlepool Council’s decision last October to refuse planning permission to develop its Graythorp Yard.

The Teesside company wants the site to become a centre for the construction, repair, refurbishment and decommissioning of vessels, including the four aging US navy vessels nicknamed the Ghost Ships.